Palmer Events Center
Don't Trust 'Esquire'
RECEIVED Mon., March 22, 2004
Dear Editor,
In the last issue ["Postmarks," March 19] Ron Deutsch wrote in to alert us that Austin had failed to make Esquire magazine's Top 10 "cities that rock," then goes on to say that the "obvious answer" to this is that the city of Austin just doesn't care. And he's right, I don't care.
I could absolutely care less what some national fashion 'n' lifestyle mag thinks of the rock scene here in Austin. They may also find our Tex-Mex bland and our women ugly. Fresno, Denver, and Gainesville made the list? I think omission from a list like that is truly a blessing.
I agree that the state and local governments have done little to foster the music scene and in some cases have done just the opposite. But to paraphrase Frank Zappa, politicians and Esquire magazine wouldn't know good rock & roll if it bit them on the ass.
What makes the music scene in Austin alive isn't slogans from the City Council or studies by the Legislature. It's kept alive by going to locally owned clubs and seeing local acts. And when you hear someone you like, then going to a local record shop and putting your money where your heart is. We are the scene, and it's our responsibility to keep it alive and unique.
So make your own list, Ron. And maybe update your magazine subscriptions, I mean Esquire, sheesh.
In the last issue ["Postmarks," March 19] Ron Deutsch wrote in to alert us that Austin had failed to make Esquire magazine's Top 10 "cities that rock," then goes on to say that the "obvious answer" to this is that the city of Austin just doesn't care. And he's right, I don't care.
I could absolutely care less what some national fashion 'n' lifestyle mag thinks of the rock scene here in Austin. They may also find our Tex-Mex bland and our women ugly. Fresno, Denver, and Gainesville made the list? I think omission from a list like that is truly a blessing.
I agree that the state and local governments have done little to foster the music scene and in some cases have done just the opposite. But to paraphrase Frank Zappa, politicians and Esquire magazine wouldn't know good rock & roll if it bit them on the ass.
What makes the music scene in Austin alive isn't slogans from the City Council or studies by the Legislature. It's kept alive by going to locally owned clubs and seeing local acts. And when you hear someone you like, then going to a local record shop and putting your money where your heart is. We are the scene, and it's our responsibility to keep it alive and unique.
So make your own list, Ron. And maybe update your magazine subscriptions, I mean Esquire, sheesh.
Best wishes,
Jim Vest
Jim Vest